EXPRESSION OF THE MICROFILARIAL SHEATH PROTEIN-2 (SHP2) OF THE FILARIAL PARASITES LITOMOSOIDES SIGMODONTIS AND BRUGIA-MALAYI

The microfilarial sheaths of the filarial parasites Brugia malayi, Bru gia pahangi, and Litomosoides sigmodontis consist of several parasite proteins, probably ranging between 7 and 10. The gene encoding sheath protein 2 (shp2), which is the object of this study, is transcribed in embryos and in the uterine epithelium; at least in B. malayi, it is t ranslated in both tissues. Apparently, shp2 is synthesized as a monome r, exported by the respective cells, and integrated into the microfila rial sheath. In the sheath, it exists as a highly polymerized molecule cross-linked by cysteine formation and other covalent bonds, presumab ly epsilon-(gamma-glutamyl)-lysine links. (C) 1997 Academic Press.